Tony Franklin might be one of the best baseball people I’ve ever had the privilege of speaking with. He’s honest and respectful to the media, and players frequently rave about how hard he works to develop them and move them towards their goal of reaching the Major Leagues.
On Friday night, Franklin was recognized for the fine touch that has led to copious amounts of success during his eight year tenure with the Thunder. The victory was the 564th of his Eastern League managerial career, moving him past Dave Machamer for the most wins of any manager since the League became a Double-A affiliate in 1963.
Franklin, who holds a 564-460 record since taking the helm in Trenton back in 2006, was humble as always after Friday’s 8-2 victory over the Reading Fightin’ Phils.
“At the end of the year, I will reflect on it,” said Franklin. “It will hit me and I will think it’s pretty cool like I have done with most of the things that have happened to me; some very good things have happened to me over my career but as the season goes on, it is business as usual.”
Many of the players in Franklin’s locker room were with him to celebrate the 2013 Eastern League title, which was won without his team losing a game in the postseason. The title was the third of his in his tenure with the Thunder.
“I did not have a clue that this was ever possible,” Franklin told reporters. “I was just happy to have a job at that point and happy to be here working for the Yankees and coming to Trenton was a blessing. I have found a very nice home here; the people and the franchise here in Trenton have been really good to me and I am really happy to be part of it.”
The Yankees organization is happy that Franklin has been a part of the organization as well. His fine performance since taking the helm of the organization’s Double-A affiliate in 2006 has won him the support of many, including General Manager Brian Cashman.
“Tony is an ace. He’s such a pro,” said Cashman back in 2012. “He’s done so much for our franchise; our players are in great hands with him here. He’s obviously been great here in the community. He’s just got the perfect demeanor for what we’re looking for at this level. Trusting him with our assets at this level has been very easy to do since he came to us.”
